Ikebana Workshop: Traditional Japanese Floral Arrangement

Amitabha Garden is hosting an Ikebana workshop starting Saturday 17 October, with sessions running on the 24th and 31st of October and on Saturday 7 November. Each one goes from 3pm to 4.30pm, so it's a mid-afternoon thing rather than a full day. The garden is at 10 Wood Wharf, London SE10 9FL.

Ikebana is the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, and this one is taught by Master Anli, a 4th Master of the Ohara School. She studied under world-renowned masters for eight years and spent a good deal of time in Japan, so she's coming to this with a proper lineage behind her. The Ohara School itself dates back to 1895 and is one of the pioneers of modern Ikebana. Its approach is about capturing the essence of the seasons, natural growth, and the inherent beauty of the natural world, all rooted in the philosophy of Zen living. It's less about filling a vase with as many blooms as possible and more about the space, the line, and the life of the plant.

If you've never done it before, there's nothing to bring: all materials are included, and you take your flowers home with you. It's a hands-on session, so you'll be making your own arrangement rather than just watching. The cost is £80 per person, or £150 if you bring a friend, and it runs 3pm to 4.30pm on Saturdays 17, 24 and 31 October and 7 November at Amitabha Garden, 10 Wood Wharf, London SE10 9FL.